Expo to feature precision agriculture

Precision agriculture has become more than just a "buzzword" in farming. Practical applications abound - as visitors to the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition will see at this year's show, to be held Oct. 17-19 in Moultrie, Ga.

"We actually show the farmers in a real-life setting how technology works and how to implement it into their operations," said Chip Blalock, Expo director.

In the Expo fields, farmers will learn how to be more efficient - economically and environmentally - through such techniques as precise applications of fertilizers and pesticides.

Debbie Waters of Southern States said some of the techniques her company will demonstrate are variable lime, fertilizer and nematicide application; GPS (satellite) navigation and soil sampling; and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) data management. Grain and cotton yield monitors as well as a new nitrogen sensor (in the testing stages) will also be on display.

Advanced precision ag users will marvel at Trimble Navigation Limited's line-up for the Sunbelt Expo field demos. The AgGPS 132 is the world's first 12-channel, high performance receiver to use "The Choice" technology, a combination of a GPS receiver, a Coast Guard beacon, and a satellite differential correction receiver.

"This system insures the availability of a real-time DGPS on almost any farm in the world," said Sue Huber of Trimble.

Trimble's user-friendly options include a smart antenna that mounts on the cab roof; a remote display and logger for in-the-field use; and a rugged field computer built to withstand environmental extremes.

Precision Agriculture demonstrations will be held in the fields each day of the Sunbelt Expo at 10 am and 2 pm. Hours for the three-day show are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday. Admission is $5 per person each day.

For more information, contact the Expo office at (912) 985-1968, Fax: (912) 890-8518.